Uganda Cranes take to the pitch in Morocco for two international friendlies, facing Chad on Friday and the hosts next Tuesday, as they fine-tune preparations ahead of the continental showdown in December and January.
These matches offer a vital chance for coach Paul Put to assess fresh recruits, sharpen tactics, and build momentum ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon 2025), where Uganda open against Tunisia on December 23.
The Cranes’ 28-man squad blends local and foreign-based talent, reflecting both continuity and evolution in Put’s plans.
Veterans such as goalkeeper Denis Onyango and midfielder Khalid Aucho provide leadership and experience, while forward Allan Okello leads a homegrown contingent of nine Uganda Premier League-based players, including KCCA’s Herbert Achayi and Shafik Kwikiriza.
New additions Baba Al Hassan, born in Jinja to Ghanaian parents, and Melvyn Lorenzen, London-born to a Ugandan father, could get their first run in senior colours.
‘Now for the new ones,’ Put said ahead of the friendlies, ‘it’s also new. another kind of training. so you have to give them a little bit of possibility and the time.’
The Belgian confirmed a few minor setbacks: Rogers Mato is nursing an injury, Aziz Kayondo has a niggle, and Kenneth Semakula was still sorting visa issues at the time of the squad’s assembly.
Possibilities
Against Chad, Put is likely to stick to the core performers from the qualifying campaign while giving new players a look.
Foreign-based defenders Toby Sibbick, Elio Capodossi, and Jordan Obita could form the spine, while Baba Al Hassan and Lorenzen may be handed minutes in midfield and attack to test their integration.
Put has emphasised intensity, discipline, and adaptability – ensuring that even in friendlies, the team keeps its competitive edge.
More than friendlies
These fixtures are more than warm-ups. They serve as a final assessment before the Cranes face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria in Group C of Afcon 2025.
With stability assured by Put’s new contract running until 2028, Uganda’s preparations are geared toward continuity, belief, and fine-tuning the squad’s strongest combination ahead of what promises to be a compelling continental campaign.
Uganda Cranes international friendlies
Nov 14: Uganda vs Chad, 6pm EAT, Stade Municipal de Berrechid
Nov 18: Morocco vs Uganda, 10pm EAT, Stade Tanger
Afcon 2025
Uganda’s Group C matches
Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda
Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania
Dec 30: Uganda vs Nigeria
Uganda Cranes squad
Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay – S. Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – S. Africa), Tom Ikara (BUL – Uganda), Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC – Uganda)
Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England), Elio Capodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj – Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC – Uganda), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda), Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.), Herbert Achayi (KCCA – Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel), Moses Alio (URA – Uganda)
Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution – USA), Baba Al Hassan (FCV Farul Constanta – Romania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC – USA)
Forwards: Allan Okello (Vipers SC – Uganda), Melyvn Lorenzen (Muangthong Utd – Thailand), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand – Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa – Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus – S. Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA – Uganda)